Modal Verbs: Might, Could, Must, and Can’t

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express a range of meanings, including possibility, ability, obligation, and deduction. Here’s a breakdown of four common modal verbs:

1. Might

• Use:
  • Expresses possibility or uncertainty.
  • Often used for polite suggestions.
• Examples:
  • “It might rain later, so take an umbrella.” (Possibility)
  • “I might go to the store, if I have time.” (uncertainty)
  • “Might I borrow your pen?” (Polite request)

2. Could

• Use:
  • Expresses possibility or ability in the past or present.
  • Used for polite requests or suggestions.
• Examples:
  • “She could speak French when she was younger.” (Past ability)
  • “We could go to the park this afternoon.” (Present possibility)
  • “Could you please pass the salt?” (Polite request)

3. Must

• Use:
  • Expresses strong obligation or necessity.
  • Used for logical deductions.
• Examples:
  • “You must wear a seatbelt in the car.” (Obligation)
  • “He must be tired; he’s been working all day.” (Deduction)

4. Can’t

• Use:
  • Expresses impossibility or strong disbelief.
  • Used for logical deductions of something that is not possible.
• Examples:
  • “That can’t be true; I saw him yesterday.” (Impossibility)
  • “That can’t be Johns car, he drives a red one.” (Logical deduction)

Key Points

• Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without “to”).
• They do not change form for different subjects (e.g., “I might,” “she might”).
• Modal verbs add extra meaning to the main verb.

Practice

Try creating your own sentences using these modal verbs. Think about different situations and how you can express possibility, ability, obligation, and deduction.